I'd like to read the bible

[Yossarian]

I want to read it as literature and to get a better understanding of religious people. I don't believe in god myself. Aren't there many different versions? Is there one that's kind of neutral? Amazon links would be good if possible.

 

[Heisenberg]

I've read it. It starts out good but the ending is really depressing.

 

[LtPage1]

id be willing to bet money that theres a site out there that will send you one for free.

 

[deftron]

Just jack one from a hotel room

 

[DAGTA]

I recommend the NIV version.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obi...p;s=books&n=507846
for example

 

[db]

NLT (New Living Translation) is easy to read.
example

"(NLT) Version information

The goal of any Bible translation is to convey the meaning of the ancient Hebrew and Greek texts as accurately as possible to the modern reader. The New Living Translation is based on the most recent scholarship in the theory of translation. The challenge for the translators was to create a text that would make the same impact in the life of modern readers that the original text had for the original readers. In the New Living Translation, this is accomplished by translating entire thoughts (rather than just words) into natural, everyday English. The end result is a translation that is easy to read and understand and that accurately communicates the meaning of the original text."

Also, I hear that the NET (New English Translation) is very good, but I have not seen it (it's a very recent translation--newer than NLT). edit: here's a link.

For fun, ck out Black Bible Chronicles' "Rappin' With Jesus: The Gospel According to the Four Brothers" pic The first 4 books of New Test. and not a translation, but rather just the word on the word.

 

[suklee]

Start here

http://bible.gospelcom.net/cgi...V&language=english

 

[bobbybe01]

There's no official version though most denominations will recommend one. Kind of funny how there's so many versions of the Bible.

 

[Yossarian]

Originally posted by: DAGTA
I recommend the NIV version.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obi...p;s=books&n=507846
for example

lol from the customer review: "there is also a list of all of Jesus' miracles."

 

[TitanDiddly]

Get one of the NIV or CEV versions- very straightforward and simple. There are tons of versions available, but I like these the best. Start with the book of John.
Versions that contain excessive use of 'thou' and 'hast' are not nessecarily better.

 

[Frew]

My Grandma swears she will only read the "King James Version." I dont know any other versions though.

 

[Greyd]

Originally posted by: db
NLT (New Living Translation) is easy to read.
example

NLV is MUCH easier to read as it is more "modern" but it is a more thought for thought rather than explicit tranlsation.

NIV is conisdered the one of the most currently read/used.

And if you got the resources I would recommend reading it with the use of the following:

for old testament

for new testament

These resources will give you TONS of insight into the what and why of what you are reading.

 

[AutomaticErik]

Sure, the official version is in the Barnes & Noble section for fictional history.

 

[Greyd]

Originally posted by: bobbybe01
There's no official version though most denominations will recommend one. Kind of funny how there's so many versions of the Bible.

YAY! I was wondering when it would start. :roll:

 

[warcrow]

...craful, it reads like a great soap opera. Its full of sex, lies...and deceit.

 

[Greyd]

Originally posted by: Yossarian
I want to read it as literature and to get a better understanding of religious people. I don't believe in god myself. Aren't there many different versions? Is there one that's kind of neutral? Amazon links would be good if possible.

BTW Yossaria... I would recommend a disclaimer that you are simply looking for recommendations before the flame fest starts

 

[Yossarian]

what does CEV stand for? what are the differences between CEV, NLT, NIV?? this is tougher than deciding between theatrical version/director's cut/fullscreen/widescreen.

 

[FoBoT]

Originally posted by: LeadFrog
My Grandma swears she will only read the "King James Version."

:thumbsup:

if you want it "old school" , stick with the King James Version (unless you can read greek or hebrew or whatever the KJV was translated from )

 

[jm0ris0n]

Originally posted by: db
NLT (New Living Translation) is easy to read.
example

"(NLT) Version information

The goal of any Bible translation is to convey the meaning of the ancient Hebrew and Greek texts as accurately as possible to the modern reader. The New Living Translation is based on the most recent scholarship in the theory of translation. The challenge for the translators was to create a text that would make the same impact in the life of modern readers that the original text had for the original readers. In the New Living Translation, this is accomplished by translating entire thoughts (rather than just words) into natural, everyday English. The end result is a translation that is easy to read and understand and that accurately communicates the meaning of the original text."

Also, I hear that the NEV (New English Version) is very good, but I have not seen it (it's a very recent translation--newer than NLV)

For fun, ck out " Rappin' With Jesus: The Gospel According to the Four Brothers" pic

I second the NLT.

 

[Kibbo]

If you are interested in reading the Bible as literature, I would reccommend the King James version. This is the version upon which most literary references are based. It is also the most beautifuly written, IMO. It is not the easiest to read, and I can't hack it cover to cover. It is also not the most accurrate. But if you wanna understand Shakespeare, or Blake, this is the one for you.

 

[MartyMcFly3]

God creates world in 6 days.
Rests on the 7th.
Adam and Eve fvck up
Stuff.
Jesus is born.
Jesus does good stuff.
Jesus has a final meal with his chums.
Jesus dies on cross.
Jesus rises again.

That saved you some time.

 

[mobobuff]

Originally posted by: LtPage1
id be willing to bet money that theres a site out there that will send you one for free.

There are. Problem is, they like to follow up on you and bug you after you order one.

 

[midwestfisherman]

I prefer the (NKJV) New King James Version.

 

[Platypus]

Just wait for legislation to roll in

 

[Yossarian]

God to Eve: "And though your desire will be for your husband, he will be your master."

I think I could get on board with this god!!